It’s June, and the sun’s shining! Well, sort of - British weather, you know. But that’s not stopping the sunshine in my heart, and frankly, everyone else's in Sutton, because it’s Pride Month! 🌈💖🎉
You know how much I love tutus, you lovely lot - you've probably seen them popping up on my Instagram more than your breakfast this week (but honestly, why wouldn't you?)! Well, this month, they're getting a major upgrade - a Pride upgrade, to be precise. And boy, oh boy, is it dazzling.
It all started with the “Tutu Tuesday” challenge I launched on social media, inspired by the sheer, beautiful joy of swirling around in a fluffy, fabulous garment. I encouraged everyone, regardless of their dance experience (or lack thereof) to wear a tutu and share their pics with the #tututuesday hashtag. The response? *Blown. Away. * Seriously, my phone's been vibrating like a disco ball all week from the sheer volume of incredible pics and videos. It’s been utterly inspiring to see all the love, laughter, and sheer sass in the pictures, even if my phone’s battery has been slightly concerned.
From the little ones who think they're prima ballerinas in training, to the oldies with the ‘anything goes' spirit (you're never too old to twirl, right?), the sheer sheer sheer volume of people getting involved with #tututuesday has been truly amazing.
Of course, this is only the beginning. I’m calling all those amazing people – the #tututuesday heroes – to the streets of Sutton on Saturday 15th June, where we'll be celebrating the joy and vibrancy of Pride with a spectacular parade. Think pink, think glitter, think sequins, think TUTUS! I can't promise sunshine, but I can guarantee a day filled with rainbows, dance moves, and the spirit of community that shines brighter than any star.
Speaking of stars, let’s talk music. This ain’t your grandma’s Pride parade. Forget the marches, this is about celebrating with joy, laughter, and some seriously rocking beats! We'll have a vibrant line-up of performers, featuring everything from disco divas belting out timeless anthems, to dazzling drag performances that’ll leave you speechless. Imagine Gloria Gaynor’s 'I Will Survive' playing while a bunch of fabulous creatures twirl in their pink tutus in front of the Sutton town hall. Picture it! Because, seriously, wouldn't that be a sight to behold?
Oh, and don't even get me started on the stalls. This ain't your regular 'all things vintage' market. We're talking bespoke crafts, delicious food stalls serving up everything from vegan hot dogs to delicious rainbow-coloured macarons (pink ones, obviously), and plenty of LGBTQ+-friendly brands that celebrate love, inclusion, and, yes, tutus!
So, how can you get involved? Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!
- Grab your fluffiest, most dazzling tutu. We're talking pink, we're talking sparkle, we're talking feathers and boas!
- Spread the word. Tell your friends, your family, your dog, heck, even your neighbour! The more the merrier, remember?
- Join the #tututuesday fun on social media. Share your pictures, your stories, your thoughts! And of course, don’t forget to use the #tututuesday #tutupride hashtag, because let's be honest, everyone needs a little bit more glitter and glamour in their lives.
Because Sutton's not just a town, it's a community, and in this community, love wins, acceptance reigns, and tutus are always on point. #tututuesday #tutupride #proudofsutton
But hold on! This isn't just a one-day extravaganza. June is a month of celebration, and Sutton will be teeming with events all through it.
Here’s what you need to know:
The week leading up to the parade:
- Rainbow Movie Nights: We’re celebrating LGBTQ+ cinema with a selection of critically acclaimed, heartwarming, and fun-filled movies. Bring your own popcorn, because trust me, you’ll need it. We’re kicking things off with ‘Moonlight’, the Oscar-winning masterpiece, then venturing into feel-good comedy with ‘The Birdcage’ and ending on a high note with a screening of the fabulously fabulous 'Rocketman'!
- Drag Bingo Night: You haven’t experienced real fun until you've played Bingo hosted by the incredible Scarlet Fury! She’ll bring her wit, her fabulousness, and a whole lot of charm to our local bingo hall, turning a humble bingo night into a spectacle that'll have you crying with laughter.
- Queer Storytelling Workshops: Looking for ways to use your voice, express yourself, and share your experiences? Come along to our free queer storytelling workshops, where we'll guide you to craft your stories, develop your confidence, and have a blast along the way!
The Parade itself:
- A truly pink affair! Be ready to get swept up in a whirlwind of colour, music, and joy as our parade fills the streets of Sutton. Expect float entries by local schools and businesses, community groups dressed up to the nines (in tutus, of course), and a stage set up in the centre of town where local bands and artists will be showcasing their talents. It’s a chance for everyone to showcase their love, pride, and appreciation for the diverse LGBTQ+ community.
After the parade:
- A Festival for Everyone: The festivities continue into the evening with our Tutu Pride Festival! Think food stalls, drink tents, stalls showcasing the amazing creativity of local artisans, live music, and dancing until the early hours. Come and enjoy the culmination of our Pride month celebrations with an evening filled with joyous chaos, laughter, and incredible energy!
Remember, Sutton is a haven of inclusivity, diversity, and love, and we're all excited to celebrate June Pride Month in all its vibrant glory! Come join the fun, spread the love, and let's celebrate the LGBTQ+ community in all its incredible, glorious, tutu-tastic fashion!
#tututuesday #tutupride #proudofsutton
Let’s show the world what Sutton can do! 💖🌈✨
